November PAC Meeting Recap: Progress, Plans, and Plenty of Gratitude

The November 12th Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting at Wildflower School proved once again how much we can achieve when a community pulls together. Held in the cozy library, we dived into plans, updates, and some exciting projects on the horizon. If you couldn’t make it, here’s the scoop on what went down!

💰 Dollars and Sense: Treasurer’s Report

Our coffers are looking healthy with $24,836.96 in the chequing account and $7,452.82 in gaming funds. No new funding requests came in, but we’re on track to wrap up the purchase of new soccer nets—game on!

📋 Principal’s Report: The Big Picture

Nick couldn’t make it the November meeting because of a SD8 Board meeting scheduling conflict, but he provided a report.

(Check out the attached report at the bottom of this blog, if you’re curious!)

🍎 Staff Appreciation Lunch: December 11th

Because we heart our teachers! Jodi Dool is organizing this year’s staff appreciation lunch, and it’s already shaping up to be another hit. Watch for a volunteer sign-up sheet to help with setup, cleanup, or bringing delicious treats. Let’s show our gratitude with a side of snacks!

⚽ Playground/Field Revamp

We’re dreaming big for outdoor play. Kristi, Adam, and Sarah have joined forces to explore options, but we need two more parents to help gather information. Interested?

The group will be researching the best options to make the soccer/football field a place our kids will be able to utilize without it turning into a muddy mess in the Spring and Fall.

For more details/join, contact Martine (Chair) @ wildflowerschoolpac@gmail.com

🛒 Grocery Card Fundraiser

Here’s an easy way to make a big impact: grocery cards. With Sarah Kelly supporting Terisa, we’re aiming to get more families signed up.

This initiative could bring in over $500 a month for our fundraising (which will help cover the costs of the revamp of the soccer field) with zero extra cost to families.

Win-win!

🏊 Swimming Lessons and 🏔️ Downhill Skiing

Swimming families, Anne Paisner is exploring spring swimming lessons.

For snow enthusiasts, Matt and Drea (from Krista/Sarah's class) have organized downhill skiing (and yes, it’s live!). Learn more here.

Families needing financial assistance are encouraged to reach out to Nick or Anne. Every child that wants to participate can have the opportunity to learn! It’s all about making these activities inclusive and fun.

🎄 Holiday Fundraiser: Local Goodies Galore

Thanks to Tovah and Marika, our holiday fundraiser is live! With a lineup of local items perfect for gift-giving, it’s a chance to support the community while checking off your list.

November 29th is the deadline to order (and be paid) to get orders delivered by December 11th.

🌱 Class Gardens: Green Thumbs Unite

Fall gardens are covered, thanks to our teachers and Kim. Now, we’re looking for spring garden reps for each class. If you’re willing to help nurture those sprouts (and kids!), email Martine wildflowerschoolpac@gmail.com

As a reminder, if we don't get parent volunteers, those classes will no longer have garden beds and the Wildflower garden area will no longer be as vibrant and students will miss out on learning about how to garden and grow plants (fruit or flower bearing).

🎉 Events to Watch For for 2025

Family Fun Night: Marika is back at it, planning what promises to be an unforgettable night in April or May. Volunteers will be needed, so stay tuned.

Year-End BBQ: Jenna is leading the charge for another epic BBQ. Dates to come—get ready to feast and celebrate!

📣 Help Wanted: DPAC Rep Needed

Our school urgently needs a representative for the District PAC.

Meetings are virtual and easy to join—next one’s November 21st.

Raise your hand if you can help bridge the gap between Wildflower and the district!

Being a DPAC (District Parent Advisory Council) rep means connecting your school with the larger district community.

Responsibilities for this role are:

Attending Meetings: DPAC reps go to monthly meetings (virtual via Zoom) to share PAC updates, ideas and concerns and vote on behalf of their school.
Keeping the PAC Informed: They update the PAC on district-wide news, decisions, and projects that might impact your kids. (If you can't attend PAC meetings to provide updates, you can send a report that the PAC can access).
Sharing Important Info: Reps pass along newsletters, announcements, and updates from DPAC to keep the PAC in the loop about what’s happening across the district.
Teamwork with Other Schools: Reps can/may work with PAC reps from other schools to tackle challenges that affect many students and families, finding district-wide solutions (not mandatory).